Greg Zyla: 'Two Lane Blacktop' and 'American Graffiti' '55 Chevy

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By Greg ZylaMore Content Now

Rockford Register Star

By Greg ZylaMore Content Now

Posted Jun. 16, 2014 at 11:12 AM

By Greg ZylaMore Content Now
Posted Jun. 16, 2014 at 11:12 AM

Q: Greg, you did a column awhile ago on the “Two Lane Blacktop” ’55 Chevy and that it was the same one they used in “American Graffiti.” Can you give me that info again and even more if you have it? Cal D., Pennsylvania.

A: Cal, I’d be happy to, as I never tire of writing about this most interesting car and the two movies.

The ’55 first appeared and was built specifically for “Two Lane Blacktop,” released in 1971. This Monte Hellman-directed film quickly became a cult classic and stars singing luminary James Taylor, the Beach Boys’ Dennis Wilson, upstart Laurie Byrd and Hollywood veteran Warren Oates. “Two Lane’s” topic deals with the nothingness of the foursome bent on a racing quest, specifically Taylor in the ’55 against Oates and his 1970 GTO. The “on highway” race runs from out west to Washington DC for “pink slips,” which means the winner gets the loser’s car. Although not a hit by Hollywood income standards, it still plays well to those who demand reality when it comes to the cars. Additionally, of the four top billed performers, only Taylor survives.

“American Graffiti,” released in 1973, is the landmark Hollywood movie about life in the 1960s. It became an instant box office smash and was directed by soon to be movie VIP George Lucas. Included is the wonderful pop music of the era and features the one and only “Wolfman Jack” as himself. The film features future acting mega stars, including Richard Dreyfus, Harrison Ford, Suzanne Somers, Cindy Williams and Ron Howard. Howard, already a star from his “Opie Taylor” days on “The Andy Griffith Show,” is today one of Hollywood’s top directors with numerous car based movies to his credit, the latest “Rush,” which is the story of Formula 1 drivers Niki Lauda and James Hunt (very good film).

As for the famous flat black ’55 Chevy, noted car builder Richard Ruth built three ‘55 Chevys for the initial “Two-Lane Blacktop” movie. He also has a bit part in the film as a gas station mechanic wearing a “Glendale Speedshop” shirt. When Taylor and Wilson arrive for fuel at a gas station, Ruth makes his cameo.

Of the three Chevys in “Two-Lane,” one was used as a camera car for interior shots, of which there are many, while the second and third were utilized for racing, street, and highway scenes. The main ‘55 Chevy featured a 454 engine with aluminum heads, tunnel ram intake and dual Holley carburetors. The transmission was a rock crusher Muncie M-22 hooked to 4.88 gears. A straight axle and four-wheel disc brakes were also employed. Lots of fiberglass was used, and sliding Plexiglas was used for windows. One car was built for a rollover scene that never made the final movie cut.

Page 2 of 2 - Thanks to Gary Kurtz, who was involved with both movies, the same “Two Lane Blacktop” Chevy appeared in “American Graffiti.” He took the primer flat black ‘55 from “Two-Lane” and converted it into the shiny black ‘55 used in “Graffiti” and driven by Harrison Ford. The big hood scoop was replaced with a smaller one, chrome wheels were added along with different windows and a hinged trunk instead of the “Two Lane” lift off. Other than that, it is the same vehicle.

Both movies still sell well and, along with “Rush,” are part of this scribe’s car movie collection. Thanks for your letter.

Greg Zyla writes weekly for More Content Now, BestRide.com and other GateHouse Media publications. He welcomes reader questions on collector cars, auto nostalgia and old-time racing at 116 Main St., Towanda, PA 18848 or at greg@gregzyla.com.